By Administrator Introduction
Cincinnati: More than just chili, this city boasts a food culture as vibrant as its skyline. Forget generic Midwestern fare; the Queen City’s culinary scene is a delightful surprise, a melting pot of German heritage, riverside tradition, and local ingenuity. Get ready to dive into a world of cheese coneys, goetta, and so much more – welcome to Cincinnati’s iconic food journey! Cincinnati offers a delicious and unique culinary landscape built on tradition and innovation. This is what makes Cincinnati so memorable for the food lover.
Cincinnati Chili: A Culinary Quirk
No exploration of famous foods in Cincinnati can begin without a deep dive into Cincinnati chili. This isn’t your average bowl of red. Cincinnati chili is a unique, spiced meat sauce, often described as having a Mediterranean influence. The secret lies in its complex blend of flavors: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and, surprisingly, a hint of chocolate. These unexpected ingredients create a flavor profile that is both savory and subtly sweet, unlike anything else you’ll encounter.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop there. The way Cincinnati chili is served is almost as important as the chili itself. You don’t simply order a bowl of chili; you order it “a way.” The “way” system dictates what toppings are added to a bed of spaghetti, which forms the base of the dish.
The Cincinnati Chili “Ways”
Here’s a breakdown of the classic Cincinnati chili “ways”:
- Two-Way: Spaghetti topped with chili. The bare bones foundation.
- Three-Way: Spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese. The most common and arguably the most balanced combination.
- Four-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and diced onions. Adds a sharp, pungent element.
- Five-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and kidney beans. The works, adding a creamy, earthy texture.
When ordering Cincinnati chili, you may be asked if you would like it “wet” or “dry” depending on the amount of liquid.
Cincinnati Chili Parlors
Two iconic Cincinnati chili parlors stand out: Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. Both chains have a long and storied history, and both are fiercely beloved by their respective fans. While they serve similar dishes, subtle differences in the spice blend and cheese sharpness have fueled a friendly rivalry for decades. Many Cincinnati natives have a strong preference for one over the other, creating a culinary divide that is as much about tradition as it is about taste. While these restaurant chains are the most popular, small local restaurants also make Cincinnati Chili.
History of Cincinnati Chili
The history of Cincinnati chili is as fascinating as its flavor. The dish was created in the early twentieth century by Macedonian immigrant brothers, John and Tom Kiradjieff, who were looking for a way to attract customers to their Empress Chili parlor. They experimented with different spices and techniques, eventually creating the distinctive Cincinnati chili recipe that we know and love today. Empress Chili no longer exists, but the original Skyline Chili location still stands!
Why Cincinnati Chili is Famous
Cincinnati chili is famous not just for its unusual flavor profile, but also for its deep connection to Cincinnati’s identity. It’s a dish that is uniquely Cincinnati, and it evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride in many locals. The ritual of ordering it “a way,” the comforting warmth of the spices, and the shared experience of enjoying it with friends and family all contribute to its iconic status. If you want to truly experience the food scene, you must try it.
Goetta: A Taste of German Heritage
Another food staple of Cincinnati, one that truly sets it apart from other Midwestern cities, is goetta. Pronounced “get-tuh,” this is a savory breakfast sausage with Germanic roots. Unlike most sausages, goetta isn’t purely meat. The main differentiator is that it’s made with a combination of ground pork and/or beef, steel-cut oats, and a blend of spices, including bay leaf and pepper. The steel-cut oats are the key to its unique texture. It is often served with breakfast or in a breakfast sandwich.
How to Eat Goetta
Typically, goetta is pan-fried until it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s often served alongside eggs, toast, or potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Some people also enjoy goetta sandwiches, using it as a savory filling for a bun or roll. You can also get creative and mix it with other traditional breakfast items.
Where to Find Goetta
Several prominent goetta producers call Cincinnati home. Brands like Queen City Sausage and Eckerlin Meats are well-known for their high-quality goetta. You can find goetta in most Cincinnati grocery stores, and many local restaurants feature it on their breakfast menus.
The History of Goetta
Goetta’s origins can be traced back to the German immigrants who settled in the Cincinnati area in the nineteenth century. These immigrants brought with them their traditional recipes for scrapple and other meat-and-grain dishes, which eventually evolved into the goetta that we know today.
Why Goetta is Famous
Goetta is famous in Cincinnati because it’s so delicious, and is rooted in Cincinnati’s German heritage, and its status as a beloved local comfort food. The unique texture and flavor, the hearty and satisfying nature of the dish, and the connection to the city’s past all contribute to its enduring appeal. It is a part of so many families.
Cheese Coneys: A Cincinnati Chili Companion
No trip to a Cincinnati chili parlor is complete without a cheese coney. A cheese coney is a hot dog nestled in a soft bun, topped with Cincinnati chili, mustard, and a generous mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
Cheese coneys are most famously served at Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, where they are often ordered alongside Cincinnati chili. They are a quick and easy snack that pairs so well with the famous chili.
The simplicity of the cheese coney is part of its appeal. It’s an affordable and delicious snack or meal, and it perfectly complements the complex flavors of Cincinnati chili. It is an important part of the Cincinnati experience, and adds to the uniqueness of the culinary scene.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: A French Pot Tradition
For dessert, Cincinnati offers a sweet treat that is just as iconic as its chili: Graeter’s Ice Cream. This local ice cream chain is known for its unique French Pot process and its large, decadent chocolate chunks.
The French Pot Process
Graeter’s makes its ice cream in small batches using a traditional French Pot freezer, which creates a uniquely dense and creamy texture. This method is more labor-intensive than modern ice cream production methods, but it results in a superior product.
Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip
Graeter’s offers a wide variety of flavors, but one stands out as particularly iconic: Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. This flavor features black raspberry ice cream studded with large chunks of dark chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
History of Graeter’s
Graeter’s has a long and rich history in Cincinnati. The company was founded in by Louis C. Graeter in and continues to be family-run to this day. It is one of the few local chains still growing!
Why Graeter’s is Famous
Graeter’s Ice Cream is famous in Cincinnati because of the rich, dense texture of the ice cream, the unique chocolate chip experience, and the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality. The French Pot process, the use of high-quality ingredients, and the family-run tradition all contribute to its enduring appeal.
Montgomery Inn Ribs: A Sauce to Remember
For a taste of Cincinnati barbecue, look no further than Montgomery Inn. This restaurant is famous for its tender ribs and its signature barbecue sauce.
Montgomery Inn Ribs
Montgomery Inn ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that is fall-off-the-bone tender. The ribs are then smothered in Montgomery Inn’s signature barbecue sauce, which is a tangy-sweet blend of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
Montgomery Inn Restaurant
The Montgomery Inn restaurant itself is a Cincinnati institution. The original location, located on the Ohio River, offers stunning views of the city skyline. It is often the first stop for visitors coming to the city.
Why Montgomery Inn is Famous
Montgomery Inn ribs are famous because of their tender meat, the tangy-sweet sauce, and the restaurant’s reputation as a Cincinnati institution. The combination of quality ingredients, expert cooking techniques, and a welcoming atmosphere make Montgomery Inn a must-visit destination for food lovers.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A Taste of Hometown Comfort
Cincinnati natives know and love LaRosa’s Pizza, a regional pizza chain. What makes LaRosa’s distinctive is its slightly sweet sauce and its thin crust. A slice of LaRosa’s Pizza is a trip down memory lane for many Cincinnati residents, evoking memories of birthday parties, family gatherings, and Friday night dinners.
History of LaRosa’s
LaRosa’s was founded in by Buddy LaRosa, and continues to be a popular chain. LaRosa’s also serve other Italian-American cuisine, pizza is its main draw.
Why LaRosa’s is Famous
LaRosa’s Pizza is famous for its widespread popularity in the Cincinnati area, and for its status as a local favorite. The consistent quality, the comforting flavors, and the strong connection to the community all contribute to its enduring appeal. Many people say LaRosa’s is what Cincinnati natives miss the most when they leave the city!
The Culinary Landscape Beyond the Classics
While the dishes mentioned above form the bedrock of Cincinnati’s culinary reputation, the city’s food scene extends far beyond these classics. German foods like mettwurst and sauerbraten, a testament to Cincinnati’s strong German heritage, can be found in many local restaurants and markets. The Ted Kluszewski Sandwich, a hearty creation sold at Findlay Market, pays homage to a beloved Cincinnati Reds slugger. A trip to Cincinnati’s Findlay Market gives access to fresh, local ingredients. From burger joints to local bakeries, the Queen City is filled with places to eat.
Conclusion: A Taste of Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s culinary landscape is a reflection of the city’s unique history, its diverse cultural influences, and its enduring spirit of innovation. From the quirky delight of Cincinnati chili to the comforting familiarity of goetta, the rich sweetness of Graeter’s ice cream, and the tender deliciousness of Montgomery Inn ribs, the flavors of Cincinnati are as memorable as the city itself.
These dishes are more than just food; they’re a taste of Cincinnati’s history, heritage, and community. Next time you visit the Queen City, be sure to embark on a culinary adventure and experience the famous foods that make Cincinnati so special. You won’t be disappointed.
